Calgary fire officials warn rafters of river dangers

This weekend's weather has been perfect for rafting down Calgary's Bow andElbow rivers, but fire officials say river conditions are still very dangerous.

Ken Uzeloc with the Calgary Fire Department recommends that people take extra precautions and keep away from the Harvie Passage.

"We would advise you not go through Harvie Passage on a raft," Uzeloc said.

Fire crews were on the Bow River on Saturday, reminding rafters how to be safe and informing them that the passage is designed for skilled kayakers.

The Harvie Passageis dangerous for rafters even when water levels are low, officials say.

"It's not safe," Uzeloc said. "Its safer than the Weir was, but it's still not safe for the average inexperienced recreational rafter."

In the wake ofMonday's rafting death, city officials are discussing new warning signs for the Harvie Passage.

Uzeloc said he would like to see a safety boom added there as well.

"We would like to have seen them before Harvie Passage was opened up for use," he said.

"However, in the absence of that, we're working diligently to see what we can do and how quickly we can get those devices in place."

Uzeloc said he hopes that will happen before the end of the summer.